Home decor with heart

Home Front

October 29, 2006

"Haba na haba, hujaza kibaba" Little by little, fills up the pot.

This Swahili phrase sums up the philosophy behind Haba na Haba (habanahaba.com), a company that sells handmade tablecloths, pillows and pillow covers from Tanzanian and Congolese crafters. Part of the profits from the sale of these items goes to help AIDS orphans in the these countries learn trade skills while supporting local fair-wage co-ops and factories.

Pillows made from Congolese kuba cloth have strong geometric elements with rich earth tones such as red ochre, mahogany and cream. Large pillows are $125 and small pillows $74.95. Decorative cloth pillow covers ($27.95) from Tanzania feature fabrics with stylized figures, animal prints or bold batik prints, while TingaTinga tablecloths ($39 and $45) have stylized animal figures set against a natural cotton background.

On the racks

Readers of the October issue of Domino can pick up interesting ideas for kitchens from three makeovers by designer Thomas O'Brien.

O'Brien offers tips plus three templates -- a bright and airy schoolhouse design, a chic European-inspired design, and a traditional kitchen with old-world details. Each feature has details about the inspiration, the process and mainstream pieces available to re-create the look.

Another feature on a Chicago home redesign shows how to balance mature style with kid-friendly sensibility.

Get a grip

Here's one way to keep drill bits and nails handy while doing household projects.

The Magnogrip is a synthetic canvas wristband with high-powered magnets that can hold items such as nails, screws, fasteners and drill bits. A hook-and-loop closure allows the wristband to adjust for different-sized wrists.

The Magnogrip is $20 (suggested price) and available through mdgtools .com or at True Value and Ace Hardware stores.

On the Web

Need a little help getting your home search started? The Fannie Mae Foundation offers four guides covering the basics of home buying, credit, mortgages and lending.

The free guides are available for download at homebuyingguide.org. "Knowing and Understanding Your Credit" covers the basics of ordering a credit report, improving credit and reporting errors. "Opening the Door to a Home of Your Own" helps would-be buyers determine how much monthly payments might be, how much home they can afford and whether they are ready to buy a house.

"Choosing the Mortgage That's Right For You" and "Borrowing Basics" explain the essentials of mortgages and lending, including predatory lending practices and how to shop for a mortgage.

Book report

The Barefoot Home by Marc Vassallo (Taunton; $30; hardback) isn't about whether you can take your shoes off; it is about feeling comfortable in your home.

Vassallo's "dressed-down design" is casual living with a stylish twist. These homes are informal and open, with a connection between the inside and outside elements. By using natural light and a variety of interesting textures, these homes channel the philosophies of Frank Lloyd Wright and Japanese aesthetics.

Homes profiled in the book are wonderful examples of how embracing a less-is-more approach to home building and decorating can create a serene sense of seclusion. From cozy and traditional to bare and minimal, the different homes reflect the unique needs of their homeowners. One Seattle architect took a small-scale home surrounded by concrete and turned it into a city oasis by knocking out walls to open the space and turning the driveway into a lush garden. Another homeowner took the lean look of a city loft and transplanted it to a Kansas prairie.

Whether a relaxed city loft or a renovated home on the lake, The Barefoot Home celebrates the laid-back life.